Man who threatened to kill Dorcas Makgato will stand trial

The Broadhurst Magistrate recently ruled that Wazha Tombo (49) who has been charged for threatening to kill Minister of Health Dorcas Makgatho is mentally fit to stand trial. Tombo has been charged with threat to kill contrary to section 2.20 sub section, and for the use of insulting language, contrary to section 1.80 of the Penal Code. Presiding Magistrate Tshepo Thedi granted the accused bail and said he is fit to stand trial as evidenced by a conclusive psychiatric evaluation report from Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital in Lobatse, which depicted him to be mentally stable.

The particulars of the case are that on July 5, 2017 in Gaborone without lawful excuse, Tombo said to Makgato: “I want P5million this year or I will behead you,” or words to that effect. He is also said to have conducted himself in a provoking manner or in a manner believed to be provoking. Tombo is also accused of having said to Makgato: “Dorcas, you b****, I have hopelessly buried my mother. She battled for her life at your slaughterhouse called Letsholathebe Hospital. I wish your mother had miscarried you.”

When granting Tombo bail, Magistrate Thedi said that the mental evaluation report from Sbrana Psychiatric hospital showed that Tombo was mentally fit to stand trial. She said that Tombo was frustrated over not being granted a CEDA loan between 2010 and 2012. “He felt that he had been denied the chance to properly take care of his ailing mother as he had no financial means to do so. He apportioned this to the fact that he had been denied CEDA funding.” Thedi stated that Tombo should pay a recognisance of P1000 and report to Shakawe Police Station daily. She added that Tombo should not be in any contact with Makgato.

“The accused should not make any contact with the complainant unless with her (complainant) consent,” she said. Tombo had previously insisted that the investigating officer had promised to organise a meeting with Makgato where he (Tombo) would apologise for his unsavoury behaviour. Thedi postponed the case to 31 January 2018.